US Bridges

FM 3117 over Knob Creek

Fair

Bell County, Texas · 0.45 MI E of US 190 · Structure no. 090140315701001

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
43 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
877
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 3117 over Knob Creek is a concrete culvert carrying FM 3117 over Knob Creek in Bell County, Texas. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 877 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,390 by 2035. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 3117
CrossesKnob Creek
Location0.45 MI E of US 190
RouteState Highway 3117
CountyBell County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.04777, -97.31845
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.4 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic877 (2020)
Projected traffic1,390 by 2035
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$261,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 3117 over Knob Creek built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 3117 over Knob Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in March 2023.

How much traffic does FM 3117 over Knob Creek carry?

About 877 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is FM 3117 over Knob Creek?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns FM 3117 over Knob Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.